Hong Kong, the city of superlatives, is also a city of surprises. The images in these pages are striking proof of that. This stunning city can amaze you at every turn.

These are some outward signs of the spirit of Hong Kong. The past century and a half laid the foundations for what we have become. Time and again, Hong Kong has had to display a spirit of resilience in a variety of trials.

Often it has been a hard struggle but Hong Kong has succeeded in re-inventing itself. In doing so, it has held fast to four principles: the rule of law, freedom of speech and expression, a level playing field for all and clean and open government.

Now, we have chosen to make our mark afresh in the 21st Century. Imbued with the Spirit of the Dragon, the ancient, fundamental Chinese symbol of energy, we are also inspired by our vision to be Asia's world city. Hong Kong is already a major urban conglomeration and financial centre of global rank.

Now we want the world to see how much more we can offer, how much more we have to share. Our truly unique mix of Orient and Occident and our superbly fortunate geographic location puts us at the heart of Asia - and the key portal to China, the burgeoning economic power of the decades ahead.

Remember the future, it is where all hope lies. We enter it with optimism, believing that, together, we will achieve great things.